Five Insights on the Future of Technical Ceramics from Ceramics Expo 2019

By Nick Farrah

Ceramics Expo 2019 brought together more than 300 leading global manufacturers and suppliers from across the supply chain to find new approaches to engineering challenges. As an exhibitor at the expo, our Materion team is continuing the discussion beyond the trade show floor by capturing some of biggest insights from this year’s event.

1. 5G Requires Ceramics

With all eyes on the 5G rollout, it is becoming more evident that new materials will be needed to improve 5G antenna performance. While this might not be news to those who work directly in the telecommunication and microwave industries, others may be surprised to learn that the industry could see a shift toward ceramics to handle thermal management of the complex operating environments associated with 5G infrastructure.

The 5G network will also drive growth for millimeter wave applications, which require small parts and tight tolerances. Since not all of these components can be manufactured with existing technology, there will be a need to advance the current manufacturing infrastructure to fill this space in the industry.

2. Better Together through Industry Partnerships

As the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it is increasingly critical for existing companies to establish partnerships with startups and universities to help drive organic growth and more quickly innovate and advance in the materials space.

Collaboration is already being driven by associations like the American Ceramic Society (ACerS) and tradeshows like Ceramics Expo. These industry forums help enable new ceramic and glass materials to come to market more quickly.

3. Cultivating Young Talent

The ceramic industry faces the same hiring challenges that manufacturing companies face across the board. The industry needs to cultivate a talent pipeline of engineers, machinists, and leaders who will drive the industry forward for years to come.

On a positive note, Ceramics Expo attracted a range of students and Ph.D. candidates this year. The presence of institutions like Alfred University and Pennsylvania State University showcase the dedicated centers of professional ceramics and material science development that will be integral to the industry moving forward.

4. The Need for Speed in R&D

New product introduction driven by research and development is a notoriously long process across many industries—including ceramics. To meet engineering demands, it is critical that either through the growth of R&D departments or through the acquisition of new companies, the ceramic industry continues to explore new avenues for new materials.

5. Additive Manufacturing Enables Ceramic Customization

Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, offers customization in a range of materials. This is a trend we expect to develop further, as it allows customers to try ceramic products without the cost associated with making a small number of parts through traditional tooling methods.

This process also enables many design iterations, meaning engineers have more opportunity to explore various designs and determine the best result. One company showcased how one customer created 75 iterations with AM to get the part just right.

A key challenge we see with this trend is in opening up the mindset of design engineers to specify additive manufacturing for an application due to the newness of this technology.